Rich Hancock is a lifelong resident of Lake Country, mostly in the Township of Merton. In his spare time, he hosts “house concerts” at his home tucked along the Bark River on four very private acres in Merton. He describes it as his sanctuary.
Rich has hosted “Lake Country House Concerts” for several years. It all started while visiting Nashville, watching a band play – and someone mentioned that the band would make a great “house concert”. He asked what that meant, and the rest is history. His concerts feature artists from around the country and the world, performing on his backyard stage. He hosts two or three outdoor concerts in the summer months, and two or three indoor concerts in the colder months. Attendance at summer concerts can reach up to 300 people, while indoor shows are limited to around 50.
About Rich Hancock
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two lovely daughters, both married to great guys, and five precious grandchildren. I am truly blessed!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am currently a sales executive at FedEx. Before that, I was in medical sales. When not working or hosting house concerts, I enjoy gardening, playing softball, bow hunting and anything on the water.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love bringing artists and music to others at the shows here at my home. I love seeing others enjoy experiencing an artist for the first time.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Sometime in 2024 I hope to retire. I would like to dedicate more time to my family, and travel – Alaska and Ireland to start. I will also continue to work in my garden, and keep discovering new music. Exploring volunteering opportunities in the area is another thing I look forward to.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Follow your passion. Step out of your comfort zone and seek new opportunities.
Rich Hancock & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
My ancestors immigrated to this very area from Europe. I am so pleased to have been able to grow up here and raise a family here. I love the variety of Lake Country – lakes, restaurants and beautiful countryside. Although there is growth, the towns still manage to keep the small-town charm.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Roger Johnson, local farmer. A heart of gold. So involved in his community, church, and even started his own charity, giving back to school kids in need for the holidays – “A Child’s Smile”.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Pink Mocha for breakfast, North Lake Inn for pizza, and Brick House Mercantile for artisan dinners.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, Charming, Variety.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Movie- Oh Brother Where Art Thou. Song – oh so many but I’ll give two- Jackson Browne’s “For A Dancer” and Patty Griffin’s “Heavenly Day”.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children – they are such loving parents – I hope I was that good of a parent.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Rye Whiskey – spirited and adventurous…
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Ireland and Alaska
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Being outdoors, in the real natural world. A winding trail though a field or woods….
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
“Be kind to everyone you meet.” I would say this to my daughters every day when they left for school. This world needs a lot more kindness.
Where to Find Rich Hancock
Email: lakecountryhouseconcerts@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 844-9915
